The Biddlecomb name has descended through the generations from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. Their name comes from having lived in Bittiscombe, in Somerset. The placename was first recorded in 1180 in the form Bitelescumba, and experts theorize that it is derived from the Old English personal nameBitel and the word cumb, which means valley. Thus the surname Biddlecomb literally means the dweller at Bitta's valley.

Early History of the Biddlecomb family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Biddlecomb research.Another 501 words (36 lines of text) covering the years 1180, 1273, 1500, 1576, 1747, 1750, 1807, 1807 and 1878 are included under the topic Early Biddlecomb History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Biddlecomb Spelling Variations

Only recently has spelling become standardized in the English language. As the English language evolved in the Middle Ages, the spelling of names changed also. The name Biddlecomb has undergone many spelling variations, including Biddlecombe, Bittiscumbe, Bittiscombe, Bitelescumbe, Biteliscombe, Biddelcombe, Biddalcomb and many more.

Early Notables of the Biddlecomb family (pre 1700)

Another 27 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Biddlecomb Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Biddlecomb family to the New World and Oceana

To escape the unstable social climate in England of this time, many families boarded ships for the New World with the hope of finding land, opportunity, and greater religious and political freedom. Although the voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, those families that arrived often found greater opportunities and freedoms than they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make significant contributions to the rapidly developing colonies in which they settled. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Biddlecomb were among those contributors: Walter Biddelcombe who arrived in Michigan in 1892.

The Biddlecomb Motto

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.